Support continues for Net Zero group

A range of businesses have praised a programme that helps them work together in the drive to achieve net zero targets.

North Ayrshire companies have been, collectively, putting the environment at the heart of what they do through a programme called Net Zero Accelerator.

The funded 12-month programme is specifically designed to help Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) start their net zero journey – working towards eliminating the amount of greenhouse gases they produce - in an efficient, cost-effective and collaborative way.

It offers companies the opportunity to learn alongside other businesses to establish clear understanding of their carbon footprint and develop projects to help reduce their emissions by boosting sustainability and changing some of their working practices.

It also future-proofs businesses by preparing them for changing regulations and emerging green market opportunities.

Business Growth Managers from North Ayrshire Council’s Business Support and Development team have been providing additional support in conjunction with the Accelerator by helping participants turn their ideas into actions.

Accommodation company Jack’s Alt Stays offers themed cabins with wood-fired hot tubs at Millport on the Isle of Cumbrae and heard about the initiative through Carbon Neutral Islands programme.

Cousins Daniel Jack and Adam Jack set up the business and are both co-founders and directors.

Daniel explained: “For us, the key benefits of the programme were an independent third-party verified carbon audit of the business, the knowledge and tools for our carbon accountancy and reduction of carbon emissions going forward.”

Daniel says working together in partnership has been vital, adding: “The support from the Council’s Business team has been great throughout. The co-delivery of the programme from them, Net Zero Nation and Aisla Reliability Solutions has been a great mix, keeping the sessions interesting and varied.

“The Arran and Cumbrae businesses in the cohort are widely varied - from a bus operator and construction companies to estate managers and hotels. This mix has resulted in some really insightful discussions around the challenges and opportunities in running environmentally-conscious island businesses.”

He said the main benefits for the business have included: the generation of new, feasible ideas that can be put into practice; access to Council-funded consultancy opportunities and access to a third-party verified carbon audit.

A recent visit from Net Zero Accelerator team sparked some fresh ideas that the Jack’s Alt Stays team is actively pursuing, including exploring the viability of rainwater harvesting for hot tubs and on-site herb and vegetable growing for guests to cook with in their cabins.

He added: “We would recommend the Accelerator to other businesses. Because it is funded by the Council, requires a realistic time commitment alongside running our business and offers a blend of in-person and online sessions, our participation was totally viable.

“And engaging with the programme and obtaining the carbon audit stands us in good stead for future green funding opportunities.”

The SimpsInns Hospitality Group, based in Irvine, has also been involved after hearing about the second cohort through the Council’s Business team.

Director Lee Simpson said: The support from the Business team has been fantastic and it was great to work alongside various other businesses with completely different backgrounds to ours. Despite our differences, it was quite reassuring to hear that we are all going through very similar challenges.

“Having the opportunity to see what solutions other business are adopting, and being able to explore and adapt them to suit our business has helped us immensely.”

The main benefits for SimpsInns have been: gaining confidence to carry out some projects that we were already in the pipeline with guidance from impartial consultants; having a much better understanding of how carbon emissions are measured and can be reduced and working an array of new businesses to share information and work on projects.

Lee said a key personal take-away from the programme was encouragement from other businesses that was he was planning was the correct approach.

“Improvements we made included having a significant number of solar panels installed at one of our sites, which we are now looking to roll out to our other venues. This has already reduced our dependency on the grid by a third for the first site.

“We have also invested in a fleet of 20 hybrid and E-bikes, allowing us to offer hotel guests an environmentally friendly way to explore the local area as well as giving our team the access to bikes for travel to and from work if required.

“And we have had further conversations with consultants about the potential of swapping out major gas-powered appliances within our kitchens with induction hobs and electric fryers.

“I would encourage businesses of any background and any size to take part. I was quite sceptical prior to joining the course as I felt that it wasn’t as relevant to our business as it would be for the likes of a manufacturing business, he added.

The programme is being delivered through a partnership between the Council and Net Zero Nation, which is a social enterprise that was set up to help businesses accelerate their transition to Net Zero. The islands’ cohort is also part funded by Zero Waste Scotland.

Other support included is carbon-accounting software being provided so members of the cohort can create their own carbon accounts and carbon reduction plan.

And through a series of workshops, participants learn how to reduce energy use and implement renewable energy sources, reduce waste, improve efficiency and maximise reuse opportunities.

Alongside the work of the Accelerator, the Business team has offered the companies involved tailored support, including:

· Accessing specialist consultancy support for feasibility studies on matters like water reuse, hydro power and sustainable manufacturing processes

· In-depth advice developing specific projects

· Signposting to funding and

· Introductions to other local businesses to develop supply chains.

To find out more about business support offered by the Council, go online to the This Is North Ayrshire website or email the Business team.

Published: 13 October 2025